Method for the operation of a clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter

Abstract

A clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter, which connects the drive input of the hydrodynamic torque converter to the drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, is actuated in a disengaging direction when a power at an auxiliary power take-off in a vehicle exceeds a predefined value.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of actuating a clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter in a vehicle such that the clutch, when actuated in the engaging direction, connecting an drive input of the hydrodynamic torque converter to an drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, and the clutch, when actuated in the disengaging direction, separating the drive input from the drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming a permanent active connection between an auxiliary power take-off and the drive input, and 
 actuating the clutch in the disengaging direction if the power at the auxiliary power take-off exceeds a predetermined value. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of actuating a clutch according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of using a hydraulic pump as the auxiliary power take-off. 
     
     
       3. The method for actuating a clutch according to  claim 2 , further comprising the step of determining a power of the hydraulic pump by at least one of a hydraulic pressure of the pump and a rotation speed of the pump. 
     
     
       4. A method of actuating a clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter in a vehicle such that the clutch, when actuated in the engaging direction, connecting an drive input of the hydrodynamic torque converter to an drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, and the clutch, when actuated in the disengaging direction, disconnecting the drive input from the drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming a permanent active connection between an auxiliary power take-off and the drive input; 
 actuating the clutch in the disengaging direction if the power at the auxiliary power take-off exceeds a predetermined value; and 
 when the clutch is actuated in the disengaging direction, actuating the clutch in the engaging direction if the power of the auxiliary power take-off falls below the predetermined value and a torque of a turbine wheel is almost the same when the clutch is in an engaged condition and when the clutch is in a disengaged condition. 
 
     
     
       5. The method for actuating a clutch according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of, when the vehicle is driving downhill, actuating the clutch in the disengaging direction only if the vehicle is moving at less than a predefined speed. 
     
     
       6. The method for actuating a clutch according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of supplying a transmission input torque which is above a predefined torque value. 
     
     
       7. The method for actuating a clutch according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of determining, via a transmission electronic unit, speeds of the drive input and the drive output and at least one of a brake pedal position and a brake pressure, and a torque of a drive motor to be utilized for controlling the clutch. 
     
     
       8. A method of actuating a clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter in a vehicle such that the clutch, when actuated in the engaging direction, connecting an drive input of the hydrodynamic torque converter to an drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter and the clutch, when actuated in the disengaging direction, disconnecting the drive input from the drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming a permanent active connection between an auxiliary power take-off and the drive input; 
 actuating the clutch in the disengaging direction if the power at the auxiliary power take-off exceeds a predetermined value; and 
 transmitting a torque of a drive motor, via a CAN signal, to a transmission electronic unit which uses the signal for detecting a downhill driving situation. 
 
     
     
       9. The method for actuating a clutch according to  claim 3 , further comprising the step of determining the hydraulic pressure either directly at the hydraulic pump or by lifting cylinders of a scoop of the vehicle. 
     
     
       10. The method for actuating a clutch according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of determining a power of the auxiliary power take-off.